American businessman from Florida and sponsor of Donald Trump's campaign, Stephen Lynch, expressed desire to participate in the upcoming auction for "Nordic Stream 2", the Wall Street Journal reports.
The gas pipeline, which is in bankruptcy proceedings in Switzerland, will be put up for sale in January 2025, reports News.bg.
"This is a unique opportunity for American and European control of energy supplies to Europe until the end of the fossil fuel era," emphasized Lynch, explaining his future strategy.
Lynch believes that the purchase of "Nord Stream 2" will provide the US with significant leverage in negotiations to end the war in Ukraine.
Financial Prospects
The pipeline, valued at $11 billion, could be acquired for significantly less due to its current condition.
"It will be possible to buy it for pennies," expects Lynch.
The businessman has experience in buying Russian assets at low prices. In 2022 he received a license from the US Treasury Department to buy the Swiss branch of "Sberbank", which was sanctioned by the US authorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Lynch's past raises questions about potential ties to the Russian government. In 2007 he and a group of investors participated in a sham auction for the sale of former YUKOS assets, which sparked speculation about possible collusion.
The status of "Nordic Stream 2"
"Nord Stream 2" was badly affected by sabotage in September 2022. and never entered service. The bankruptcy proceeding, which has been postponed several times, is scheduled for January 2025.
The pipeline, conceived as an energy security project, is now at the center of geopolitical and economic disputes that could have significant consequences for the future of energy supplies in Europe.